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School walkouts in Washington: When is it and what will happen?

By KIRO 7 News Staff
By KIRO 7 News Staff

Students across the country are expected to walk out of their classrooms Wednesday morning to protest gun violence. Here's what to know about the walkout and local schools.

>> Read the latest story on the walkouts here

What is it? The nationwide protest is both a memorial and protest action. Students and teachers across the United States will walk out of their schools and universities to honor the lives of the 17 people killed at Stoneman Douglas and press lawmakers to pass stricter gun control laws, according to EMPOWER, the youth branch of the Women's March organizing the action.

Among their demands, participants want Congress to:

  • Ban assault weapons
  • Require universal background checks before gun sales
  • Pass a gun violence restraining order law that would allow courts to disarm people who display warning signs of violent behavior

After the walkout, student activists and their supporters will turn their attention to the "March for Our Lives" protest planned for Saturday, March 24.

What time: The walkout will take place at 10 a.m. in every time zone.

Where: Students, teachers and administrators from across the country and in European countries have said they will participate. So far, 2,000 groups have registered with ENOUGH National School Walkout. Those participating are expected to walk out of class but stay on school grounds.

>> MAP: Where students say they are walking out in Washington 

What schools in the Seattle-area are participating? There's not an official list from school districts about which schools are participating.

Scroll down to keep reading. 

Related headlines: 

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But accordingly to a map from EMPOWER, students in nearly 100 schools in Western Washington are participating. EMPOWER's list is based off students who claim they are holding walkout events at their schools.  Click here to see their map here.

How will schools participate: It’s up to the student organizers, and depends on what the school will allow. Some students are planning a “lie-in” where they lie down to symbolize those killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Others are having a discussion on gun issues and others are observing minutes of silence.

How long will it last: It will last 17 minutes, one minute for each person killed at Stoneman Douglas High School.

Will students get into trouble for participating: That is up to the school district: many schools have said they will tolerate a walkout if it is orderly; others have threatened to discipline students if they leave class.

Seattle and Everett school officials say they will follow state law: Any student who walks out will receive an unexcused absence. To read more about possible consequences for students, click here.

How can I follow along: The public should not go to local schools for walkouts, according to EMPOWER.

KIRO 7 News will bring you real-time information on Wednesday. Download the KIRO 7 News app here for live updates and a video live stream throughout the day.

Cox Media Group

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